
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 4, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after qualifying REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 4, 2023 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after qualifying REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
Everything that Lewis Hamilton has built over the past two decades seems to be under a challenge from different sections of the fans. One group questions his real talent, which is under scrutiny for a lack of performance. While the other points out his loyalty in these trying times for the first time at Mercedes.
On almost a weekly basis, his retirement comes under question, and if that isn’t the case, his transfer to some other team comes up. All this seems to have been triggered after he recently snapped back at his team, saying, “Last year, there were things I told them. I said the issues that are with the car. I’ve driven so many cars in my life so I know what a car needs. I know what a car doesn’t need. I think it’s really about accountability.”

via Imago
44 Lewis Hamilton (GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team), Toto Wolff (AUT, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team), Peter Bonnington (GBR, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team), F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 3, 2023 in Sakhir, Bahrain. (Photo by HOCH ZWEI) Sakhir Bahrain * 44 Lewis Hamilton GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , Toto Wolff AUT, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , Peter Bonnington GBR, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team , F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 3, 2023 in Sakhir, Bahrain Photo by HOCH ZWEI Sakhir Bahrain
He had added, “It’s about owning up and saying: Yeah, you know what? We didn’t listen to you. It’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work. We’ve got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points, and just huddle up as a team. That’s what we do.”
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The driver’s intent, too, hasn’t been spared by the fans. The detectives on the internet dug up the Mercedes driver’s previous statements from his McLaren days, promising commitment, and had a field day targeting the claims of loyalty to Mercedes.
Fans call out Lewis Hamilton’s loyalty to Mercedes
Last season, Lewis seems to have played a pivotal role in keeping the team together. This year, however, he appears to have lost his patience with the team. And while he claims that he will stick by the team’s side, fans are having a hard time believing it. They believe that the Briton is only saying so because he has nowhere else to go since the grid is tightly packed and fresh and young talents are well-matured and ready in the pipeline.
READ MORE: What Happened Between F1 Rivals Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in Saudi Arabia?
yeah remember when he said he wasn’t leaving mclaren in 2012 https://t.co/aP8NOmu04l
— sidney (@childiintime) March 16, 2023
Didn't he say that in 2008?
Yes he did. 😆 pic.twitter.com/WKcumBtKIQ— F1 Insider (@F1Insider_FB) March 16, 2023
The man has no options but to stay.
— Michael Adair (@Michael_J_Adair) March 16, 2023
For sure…..there is no place anywhere else.
— Jur Koolen (@JurKoolen) March 17, 2023
Call me suspicious..and i'm not sure there really is anywhere else to go at the minute but… "not planning" isn't exactly the same as "i'm definitely not going anywhere".
It would be wise at this stage of his career to keep his possible last contract options, well and truly open https://t.co/R9lgoMdJ9P— F1losophy (@f1losophy) March 16, 2023
Lewis Hamilton will have a hard weekend in Saudi Arabia. Why so? Because it was during the last outing that the glaring gaps in the development of the Mercedes challenger were highlighted.
https://t.co/u8JjZg8B69 the best place for him is Mercedes. Ferrari don't want him with his blm stuff, same with RB, at best AM but they have Alonso. So it's merc or nothing
— lordhulkenberg (@LordH2733) March 16, 2023
"I don't plan on going anywhere"
Lewis is a seven-time world champion, one of the most talented drivers in the history of the sport, but;
– He's running out of time to secure an eighth. That's just the reality.
– He'll move if Mercedes can't get their shit together. https://t.co/ZXXZuwNmDO— Steve M (@heystevehere) March 16, 2023
Overrated overhyped and finished .
— sim0ns (@Simon78636217) March 16, 2023
Haha, it seems he's more concerned with Red Bull not winning than Mercedes winning themselves with that comment about Ferrari being the only ones who can stop them
— dystainak (@dystainak) March 16, 2023
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Unfortunately for him there is no better place as unlikely he could find a seat at #Ferrari or #RedBull and don't believe he would be interested in #WEC or #IndyCar…
— Kris G. (@1MonkeyDriver) March 16, 2023
Can he convince all his fans about his real intent? The real hurdle in doing so would be to take on the same role as last year’s.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bromance moments between Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton
Pressure on the driver’s shoulder is greater than ever. The questions about his ability have never been louder than they are now. How will he deal with them? Only the rounds ahead will tell.
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